Guinness Joins Beer Companies Boycotting St. Patrick's Day Parade

John MittyMonday, March 17, 2014

Guinness has just pulled out of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade alongside Sam Adams and Heineken, who announced their decision a couple of days ago. All three beer companies are boycotting the parade in response to the anti-gay stance of the parade’s organizers, the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council.

The controversy came to light when the council accepted an application by the LGBT Veterans of Equality to participate, but with the caveat that they not display any signs of their sexual orientation. The council’s official statement explaining the reason for this decision was, “It is our intention to keep this parade a family friendly event. We will not allow any group to damage the Integrity of the historic event or our reputation as a safe and fun filled day for all.” All three beer companies have released statements supporting equality and freedom. “Guinness has a strong history of supporting diversity and being an advocate for equality for all,” stated Guinness on Sunday night. “We were hopeful that the policy of exclusion would be reversed for this year’s parade … We will continue to work with community leaders to ensure that future parades have an inclusionary policy.”

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